Tool and Die Makers

SOC code 51-4111 · O*NET-SOC 51-4111.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Tool and Die Makers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$64,050

a year

Hourly

$30.79

per hour

10th$44,680Median$64,05090th$92,680

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,860

$32.14 per hour

Middle 50%

$51,490 – $78,770

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,680 – $92,680

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

56,930

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,680; $21.48/hr
25th percentile: $51,490; $24.75/hr
Median percentile: $64,050; $30.79/hr
75th percentile: $78,770; $37.87/hr
90th percentile: $92,680; $44.56/hr

What do tool and die makers do?

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 41% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate41%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)40%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
Less than a High School Diploma10%

Common questions

How much does a tool and die makers earn?

The national median is $64,050 a year. The full range runs from $44,680 at the 10th percentile to $92,680 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a tool and die makers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.5/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Production and Processing3.5/5
Design3.4/5
English Language3.0/5
Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Equipment Selection, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.